Create 5 Stunning Galaxy Ornaments: Baking Soda & Paint DIY

Tired of the same old holiday decorations? Imagine creating your own breathtaking galaxy ornaments with baking soda and paint, each one a unique, swirling universe captured in glass. This simple DIY craft unlocks a world of cosmic beauty right at your fingertips.

Creating stunning galaxy ornaments involves combining clear baubles, acrylic paints, and a small amount of baking soda to produce unique, nebulous patterns that mimic deep space. This incredibly fun and accessible project transforms basic supplies into custom, professional-looking decor.

Based on tried and tested methods, this guide will show you exactly how to master the technique. You’ll discover five distinct designs, from classic nebulas to shimmering stardust. Get ready to craft decorations that will leave everyone starstruck.

Unlock the Secrets to Crafting Stunning Galaxy Ornaments

The magic behind these DIY galaxy ornaments lies in a simple, yet brilliant, chemical and physical interaction. The core of this craft project combines three key entities: a clear fillable ornament that acts as your vessel, vibrant acrylic paint to provide the color, and the secret ingredient, baking soda. When you add baking soda to the paint, it doesn’t just mix in; it acts as a texturizing and suspension agent. Instead of a flat, smooth coat of paint, the baking soda (or sodium bicarbonate) thickens the paint and creates a beautiful cloudy texture. This nebulous effect is what allows you to swirl the paint into gorgeous, multi-dimensional patterns that look just like a distant galaxy, a result unachievable with paint alone.

Create 5 Stunning Galaxy Ornaments: Baking Soda & Paint DIY

Now that you understand the science, it’s time to get creative. This step by step guide will walk you through creating five different, spectacular versions of handmade galaxy baubles. Each style uses the same foundational baking soda paint technique but varies the colors, glitter, and swirling methods to produce a unique cosmic aesthetic. From a classic deep space look to a vibrant cosmic swirl, you’ll find a design that perfectly fits your style. Gather your materials, and let’s start this galaxy craft project!

1. Crafting a Classic Deep Space Nebula Ornament

Pin this genius hack to your ‘DIY Christmas Decor’ board!

This classic design captures the iconic deep space look with a rich palette and soft, cloud-like swirls.

Materials Needed

• Clear glass ornaments with removable tops (spherical containers)
• Acrylic paint in deep blue, vibrant purple, jet black, and silver or white (polymeric paint, pigment suspension)
• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
• Fine silver glitter or extra-fine iridescent glitter (that mimics stars)
• Small funnel or rolled paper
• Thin mixing stick or skewer
• Paper towels for cleanup

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Remove the top from your clear glass ornament (vessel filling).
2. Add 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda inside the ornament using a funnel.
3. Squeeze a small amount (about 1-2 teaspoons each) of deep blue, vibrant purple, and jet black acrylic paint into the ornament, layering the colors.
4. Drip a few drops of silver or white paint for highlights.
5. Sprinkle a pinch of fine silver glitter into the ornament.
6. Replace the ornament top securely.
7. Swirl and tilt the ornament gently for 1-2 minutes, allowing the paint and baking soda to mix and create a cloudy texture (milky texture). Avoid over-mixing to prevent muddy colors.
8. Let it dry by placing the ornament upside down on a paper cup for 24-48 hours to ensure even coating and drainage.
9. Replace the ornament top right-side up once dry, and admire your classic deep space nebula.

Pro-Tip: Why Baking Soda? Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is the secret to the unique cloudy texture in these galaxy ornaments. It acts as a suspension agent and thickener, preventing the acrylic paint from simply coating the inside of the ornament smoothly. Instead, it creates a cloud effect and enhances texture, allowing for the distinct nebulous patterns that mimic interstellar gas, making the colors appear soft and ethereal.

2. Crafting a Twinkling Stardust Galaxy Ornament

Save this sparkling DIY idea to your ‘Sparkly Crafts’ board!

For those who love sparkle, this version is packed with holographic glitter for a dazzling, multi-dimensional stardust effect.

Materials Needed

• Clear plastic ornaments (fillable ornaments, spherical containers)
• Acrylic paint in pastel blue, soft pink, and white (polymeric paint)
• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
• Holographic fine glitter and/or tiny star-shaped sequins (glitter + stars)
• Small funnel
• Paper cups for drying

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Remove the top from your clear plastic ornament.
2. Pour 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda into the ornament.
3. Squeeze small amounts of pastel blue, soft pink, and white acrylic paint into the ornament.
4. Add 1-2 teaspoons of holographic fine glitter and a few star sequins, ensuring they stick to the wet paint.
5. Replace the ornament top.
6. Gently swirl and tilt the ornament, allowing the paint, baking soda, and glitter to create soft blends and a shimmering effect.
7. Shake lightly to distribute the glitter evenly, preventing clumping.
8. Dry the ornament upside down on a paper cup for at least 24 hours.
9. Replace the top once dry.

Pro-Tip: Maximizing Sparkle! To get that extra twinkling effect, add glitter in layers with your paint. For a truly dense stardust look, you can also add a tiny dab of Mod Podge (craft glue) inside the ornament before the glitter to help it adhere better to the inner surface, creating a more intense sparkle that mimics stars.

3. Crafting a Vibrant Cosmic Swirl Ornament

Pin this bold craft to your ‘Creative DIY Ideas’ board!

This style is all about bold, energetic colors that create dynamic swirly patterns for a high-impact look.

Materials Needed

• Clear plastic ornaments (fillable ornaments)
• Acrylic paint in fuchsia, electric blue, and bright lime green (polymeric paint, vibrant colors)
• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
• Small funnel or rolled paper
• Cork or stoppers for drying

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Remove the top from the clear plastic ornament.
2. Add 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda to the ornament.
3. Squeeze approximately 1 teaspoon each of fuchsia, electric blue, and lime green acrylic paint into the ornament, creating distinct layers or lines.
4. Replace the ornament top.
5. Gently tilt and slowly swirl the ornament, allowing the colors to flow and blend organically without over-mixing. The goal is to create defined, vibrant cosmic swirl patterns.
6. Rotate the ornament to ensure the paint coats the entire inner surface.
7. Dry the ornament upside down on a cork or in a paper cup for 24-48 hours.
8. Replace the ornament top once completely dry.

Pro-Tip: Preventing Muddy Colors! When working with vibrant colors for a cosmic swirl, resist the urge to vigorously shake the ornament. Gentle swirling and tilting are key to maintaining distinct color zones and achieving those desired swirly patterns without having the colors blend into a dull, muddy brown. This technique respects paint pigment saturation and viscosity control.

4. Crafting a Subtle Pastel Galaxy Ornament

Pin this elegant DIY to your ‘Aesthetic Home Decor’ ideas!

Create aesthetic galaxy ornaments with a dreamy, ethereal quality using a soft pastel palette for a subtle, modern look.

Materials Needed

• Clear glass ornaments (fillable ornaments)
• Acrylic paint in lavender, mint green, and pale peach (polymeric paint, ethereal blends)
• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
• Optional: Pearlescent white acrylic paint for subtle shimmer
• Small funnel
• Paper towels

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Remove the top from your clear glass ornament.
2. Add 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda to the ornament using a funnel.
3. Squeeze small, alternating amounts of lavender, mint green, and pale peach acrylic paint into the ornament.
4. If desired, drip a tiny amount of pearlescent white paint.
5. Replace the ornament top.
6. Gently roll and slowly tilt the ornament to create soft, ethereal blends and milky texture. The aim is a subtle, hazy effect, not sharp lines.
7. Ensure the entire inner surface is coated.
8. Dry the ornament upside down for 24-48 hours.
9. Replace the ornament top once dry.

Pro-Tip: Achieving Gentle Blends! For a truly subtle pastel galaxy, use less paint than you might for a vibrant one. The goal is transparency and soft overlaps. Also, gently rolling the ornament rather than vigorous shaking will help achieve beautiful, delicate gradient transitions between your chosen analogous colors, creating a serene effect.

5. Crafting an Aurora Borealis Effect Galaxy Ornament

Capture the magic! Pin this ‘Aurora Lights DIY’ to your craft board!

Mimic the dancing Northern Lights with this unique technique that creates vertical, flowing light textures.

Materials Needed

• Clear glass ornaments (fillable ornaments, spherical containers), flat disk-shaped works well
• Acrylic paint in electric green, deep teal, and a touch of dark purple or black (pigment suspension, vibrant colors)
• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
• Long, thin mixing stick or skewer
• Small disposable cup for paint dripping

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Remove the top from your clear glass ornament.
2. Add 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda to the ornament.
3. Squeeze a generous amount (2-3 teaspoons) of electric green acrylic paint into the ornament first, letting it pool at the bottom.
4. Drip smaller amounts of deep teal and dark purple/black paint onto the green, letting them run down the sides and create layers.
5. Do NOT replace the top immediately. Instead, use a thin mixing stick to gently swirl the colors upwards from the bottom, creating vertical, wavy patterns.
6. Rotate the ornament slowly to ensure the inner surface is coated with the flowing light textures.
7. Drain any excess paint by holding the ornament upside down over a disposable cup for 10-15 minutes.
8. Dry the ornament upside down on a paper cup for 24-48 hours.
9. Replace the ornament top once completely dry.

Pro-Tip: Capturing the Flow! To truly achieve an aurora borealis effect, control the viscosity control of your paint. If the paint is too thick, it won’t flow; too thin, and it will muddy. Adding a tiny drop of water to your paint colors (one at a time, testing consistency) can help achieve better flow for those flowing light textures while still reacting with the baking soda.

Key Takeaways

Creating stunning celestial decorations is easier than you think. This guide has equipped you with the knowledge to master the baking soda paint technique for beautiful, custom ornaments. Here are the most important points to remember as you start your easy holiday craft:

• Baking Soda is Essential: This household staple is the secret ingredient that reacts with acrylic paint to create the signature cloudy texture and nebulous effect.
• Gentle Swirling is Key: To avoid muddy colors, always swirl the paint slowly and gently. Let the colors blend naturally rather than forcing them by shaking.
• Patience with Drying: Always let it dry for a full 24-48 hours upside down. This ensures an even coating and prevents the paint from pooling at the bottom.
• Customize Your Cosmos: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Use different acrylic paint colors, add more or less glitter, or try different swirling techniques to make each galaxy ornament diy your own piece of interstellar art.
• Material Choice Matters: Both clear plastic vs glass baubles work great. Choose plastic for a more durable, kid-tested option and glass for a heavier, high-end feel.

FAQs About Galaxy Ornaments with Baking Soda and Paint

How much baking soda do I need for galaxy ornaments?

A good starting point is 1 to 2 teaspoons of baking soda per standard-sized (3-4 inch) ornament. The goal is to add enough to create the cloudy texture without making the paint too thick. You can adjust the amount based on the size of your clear fillable ornaments and the desired density of the nebulous effect.

Why add baking soda to paint for galaxy ornaments?

Baking soda is added because it thickens the acrylic paint and acts as a suspension agent, creating a unique textured effect. This reaction prevents the paint from simply coating the inside of the ornament smoothly. Instead, it forms soft, cloud-like patterns that are essential for achieving the deep space look of a real galaxy.

What kind of paint works best for galaxy ornaments?

Standard craft acrylic paint is the best choice for making galaxy ornaments. Its thick consistency, vibrant colors, and strong adhesion to both glass and plastic make it ideal. It works perfectly with the baking soda to produce the desired swirly patterns and textured paint finish.

Can I use glass ornaments for this project?

Yes, both clear glass and clear plastic ornaments are excellent choices. Glass provides a classic, high-quality feel, while clear plastic ornaments are a fantastic, shatterproof alternative, making them a safer option for a kid friendly baking soda science craft.

How long do baking soda galaxy ornaments take to dry?

You should allow 24 to 48 hours for the ornaments to dry completely. The exact dry time depends on the amount of paint used and the humidity in your home. Always place them upside down to drain excess paint and ensure an even coating.

How do you prevent the paint from mixing too much and becoming muddy?

The key to preventing muddy colors is to avoid vigorous shaking. Instead, gently tilt and swirl the ornament. This allows the colors to blend together organically to create beautiful gradient transitions without becoming a single, dull color.

Do you need to seal baking soda ornaments?

Sealing the inside is not necessary, as the paint is protected by the ornament itself. The paint, once fully cured, creates a durable internal layer. If you add external decorations like star stickers or painted details, you can use a clear spray sealant to protect them.

How do I add stars to my galaxy ornament?

You can add stars by sprinkling fine glitter or star-shaped sequins into the wet paint inside the ornament. This allows them to become suspended within the layers of color. For a different look, you can also use metallic markers to draw small stars on the outside of the ornament after it’s completely dry.

Can I use cornstarch instead of baking soda for the texture?

While you can experiment, baking soda is recommended over cornstarch for a more authentic galaxy effect. Baking soda vs cornstarch is a common question; baking soda’s specific chemical reaction with the polymeric paint creates the distinct, clumpy, nebulous effect, whereas cornstarch may result in a smoother, less defined texture.

What are the best clear ornaments for DIY galaxy projects?

The best clear ornaments are those with a reasonably wide opening and a smooth, round surface. A wider top makes it much easier to add baking soda and squeeze in the paint. Both traditional ball shapes and flatter disc shapes work well for creating different kinds of celestial decorations.

Final Thoughts

You are now fully equipped to embark on your own creative hobbies and make a whole constellation of stunning galaxy ornaments with baking soda and paint. This easy holiday craft is more than just a decoration; it’s a small work of art that captures the beauty of the cosmos. By following these tried and tested steps and embracing a little experimentation, you can create personalized, eye-catching ornaments that will be treasured for years to come. Whether for your own Christmas tree, as holiday gift ideas, or just for some rainy day fun, this project is a wonderful way to bring a touch of outer space into your home. Happy crafting

Last update on 2026-01-09 at 09:20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API